From Vision Australia. This is talking vision. And now here's your host, Sam Colley.

From Vision Australia. This is talking vision. And now here's your host, Sam Colley.

Hello everyone. It's great to be here with you. And for the next half hour we talk matters of blindness and low vision.

Hello everyone. It's great to be here with you. And for the next half hour we talk matters of blindness and low vision.

No consistently challenged myself. And don't let my lack of eyesight define who I am. And that's part of the motivation of why I wanted to go on this trek. Because it would be something that I'd be normally totally scared to do. But I thought if anything, I just need to keep trying and keep having a go.

No consistently challenged myself. And don't let my lack of eyesight define who I am. And that's part of the motivation of why I wanted to go on this trek. Because it would be something that I'd be normally totally scared to do. But I thought if anything, I just need to keep trying and keep having a go.

Welcome to the program. In just a couple of weeks, a group of hiking and bushwalking enthusiasts are heading off to New Zealand to take part in the trek for Vision Vision Australia's fundraising walk to raise vital funds for the Quality living groups and Vision Australia Radio. I'll be speaking today with one of those participants, Karen Pritchard, and that interview is coming up very shortly. After we chat with Karen, I spoke with a couple of volunteers from Vision Australia Radio in Perth. We're heading over to Perth for the second week in a row to chat to them all about their program, the digest, which has recently undergone some exciting new changes. You'll be able to find out a little bit more about that later on in the program when I chat with them, so make sure to stick around. I hope you'll enjoy this week's episode of Talking Vision. The trek for vision is soon underway from the 7th to the 11th of March, taking place across New Zealand, where each participant will raise vital funds for Vision Australia to help support quality living groups and Vision Australia Radio to make a big difference to Australians who are blind or have low vision. And today it's my great pleasure to welcome one of those participants Vision Australia Parramatta's Karen Pritchard. Karen, welcome to Talking Vision. Thanks so much for your time today.

Welcome to the program. In just a couple of weeks, a group of hiking and bushwalking enthusiasts are heading off to New Zealand to take part in the trek for Vision Vision Australia's fundraising walk to raise vital funds for the Quality living groups and Vision Australia Radio. I'll be speaking today with one of those participants, Karen Pritchard, and that interview is coming up very shortly. After we chat with Karen, I spoke with a couple of volunteers from Vision Australia Radio in Perth. We're heading over to Perth for the second week in a row to chat to them all about their program, the digest, which has recently undergone some exciting new changes. You'll be able to find out a little bit more about that later on in the program when I chat with them, so make sure to stick around. I hope you'll enjoy this week's episode of Talking Vision. The trek for vision is soon underway from the 7th to the 11th of March, taking place across New Zealand, where each participant will raise vital funds for Vision Australia to help support quality living groups and Vision Australia Radio to make a big difference to Australians who are blind or have low vision. And today it's my great pleasure to welcome one of those participants Vision Australia Parramatta's Karen Pritchard. Karen, welcome to Talking Vision. Thanks so much for your time today.

Thanks for having me, Sam.

Thanks for having me, Sam.

Now, firstly, Karen, how long have you been working for Vision Australia and what was your motivation for getting involved?

Now, firstly, Karen, how long have you been working for Vision Australia and what was your motivation for getting involved?

I have only been at vision for about three months now, and I decided to be a little bit spontaneous for 2024 and saw this on our internal news platform and thought why not? So it was something I didn't really think about. I just knew that I've been put on earth to make a change and a difference in people's lives. And this was there. And I just went, yes, because if I think about it too much, I probably wouldn't have done it. So I just signed up and worried about the rest of it afterwards.

I have only been at vision for about three months now, and I decided to be a little bit spontaneous for 2024 and saw this on our internal news platform and thought why not? So it was something I didn't really think about. I just knew that I've been put on earth to make a change and a difference in people's lives. And this was there. And I just went, yes, because if I think about it too much, I probably wouldn't have done it. So I just signed up and worried about the rest of it afterwards.

And what is your particular role at Vision Australia?

And what is your particular role at Vision Australia?

I am a gift and will officer working in the fundraising team, and I help steward or build up relationships with our supporters who have already left a gift in their will, and it's just checking in on them, sending them birthday cards, getting them to come along to a thank you lunch and just showing how much we really appreciate their support and generosity.

I am a gift and will officer working in the fundraising team, and I help steward or build up relationships with our supporters who have already left a gift in their will, and it's just checking in on them, sending them birthday cards, getting them to come along to a thank you lunch and just showing how much we really appreciate their support and generosity.

I understand, Karen, that you yourself have low vision. Would you be comfortable with sharing your vision status?

I understand, Karen, that you yourself have low vision. Would you be comfortable with sharing your vision status?

Yeah, definitely. Back when I was a teenager, my sister had been diagnosed with a genetic eye disease, which is supposed to be recessive and quite rare. And at that stage I still could see perfectly fine, so I was never really tested. A few years later, I kept losing the end of the sentence in a book and where it joined up back at the beginning and went and got my eyes tested, thinking that I just need regular glasses. And it ended up that I had the same eye disease. And probably 12 months thereafter, I lost pretty much most of my eyesight. I'm now legally blind, and the doctors do say I've got 97% sight loss. My central vision is pretty much gone and I get around with my peripheral vision, but I don't feel like they've got it right because I still seem to be able to do a lot, and I consistently challenge myself and don't let my lack of eyesight define who I am. And that's part of the motivation of why I wanted to go on this trek, because it would be something that I'd be normally totally scared to do. But I thought if anything, I just need to keep trying and keep having a go.

Yeah, definitely. Back when I was a teenager, my sister had been diagnosed with a genetic eye disease, which is supposed to be recessive and quite rare. And at that stage I still could see perfectly fine, so I was never really tested. A few years later, I kept losing the end of the sentence in a book and where it joined up back at the beginning and went and got my eyes tested, thinking that I just need regular glasses. And it ended up that I had the same eye disease. And probably 12 months thereafter, I lost pretty much most of my eyesight. I'm now legally blind, and the doctors do say I've got 97% sight loss. My central vision is pretty much gone and I get around with my peripheral vision, but I don't feel like they've got it right because I still seem to be able to do a lot, and I consistently challenge myself and don't let my lack of eyesight define who I am. And that's part of the motivation of why I wanted to go on this trek, because it would be something that I'd be normally totally scared to do. But I thought if anything, I just need to keep trying and keep having a go.

That's right. And it's all about adapting to the new situation that you find yourself in, and what's been the most useful thing for you in that regard, the way that you've adapted, you know, what sort of devices you've got that have really stood you in good stead.

That's right. And it's all about adapting to the new situation that you find yourself in, and what's been the most useful thing for you in that regard, the way that you've adapted, you know, what sort of devices you've got that have really stood you in good stead.

I think the two things for me is what I call food intelligence and then basically just re-engineering my brain and thought process instead of me saying, oh, don't do what it's dangerous, will be careful. I have been using trekking poles and understanding how to walk through the bush and on uneven footpaths or rocky environments through getting my feet to miliar with the environment makes me feel more confident. And I've had a support worker doing a lot of training with me, and there's a bit of a joke amongst our training group that I'm actually my support worker. Support worker. I'm actually leading her most of the way, so I think I just had to also build my own mental confidence that I can do this and then just be careful on the down going down. My depth perceptions dreadful.

I think the two things for me is what I call food intelligence and then basically just re-engineering my brain and thought process instead of me saying, oh, don't do what it's dangerous, will be careful. I have been using trekking poles and understanding how to walk through the bush and on uneven footpaths or rocky environments through getting my feet to miliar with the environment makes me feel more confident. And I've had a support worker doing a lot of training with me, and there's a bit of a joke amongst our training group that I'm actually my support worker. Support worker. I'm actually leading her most of the way, so I think I just had to also build my own mental confidence that I can do this and then just be careful on the down going down. My depth perceptions dreadful.

Yeah, I can totally relate. I've been bushwalking myself as somebody with low vision. It's quite daunting when you haven't done it before. But yeah, there's definitely ways to do it. But yeah, definitely things to look out for. And um, yeah, my depth perception is pretty rubbish as well. So that's always a bit of a challenge, but you seem to have overcome it wonderfully. And staying on the topic of disclosure though, Karen, how comfortable are you sharing your vision status on an everyday basis?

Yeah, I can totally relate. I've been bushwalking myself as somebody with low vision. It's quite daunting when you haven't done it before. But yeah, there's definitely ways to do it. But yeah, definitely things to look out for. And um, yeah, my depth perception is pretty rubbish as well. So that's always a bit of a challenge, but you seem to have overcome it wonderfully. And staying on the topic of disclosure though, Karen, how comfortable are you sharing your vision status on an everyday basis?

I am very comfortable in talking about it now, but I've probably only been using my long cane for about 18 months now. But the disclosure isn't as essential when I'm in public spaces, because they can see that I'm using a long cane and I get lots of assistance in public environments in that way. But when I'm in spaces where I'm not using my long cane, like picking a sandwich from a place that's already got wraps made, I sometimes did this and say, oh, I didn't bring my glasses with me. Can you just read out the types of sandwiches you've got? And I just I call them life hacks, and that's how I just get around some sort of long winded way of explaining stuff sometimes. But I like the idea of sharing my lack of sight with people, because it really does go odds with the way I do interact with the world. And I can do anything and when I. Be that advocate for other people. I think it gives them some sort of it will if she can do it. In my eyes, that's not as bad as hers. So jump on board and just tell everybody about the wonderful diversity of people with low vision and blindness and all the different types of things we can do to limiting it by what other people think we can't do.

I am very comfortable in talking about it now, but I've probably only been using my long cane for about 18 months now. But the disclosure isn't as essential when I'm in public spaces, because they can see that I'm using a long cane and I get lots of assistance in public environments in that way. But when I'm in spaces where I'm not using my long cane, like picking a sandwich from a place that's already got wraps made, I sometimes did this and say, oh, I didn't bring my glasses with me. Can you just read out the types of sandwiches you've got? And I just I call them life hacks, and that's how I just get around some sort of long winded way of explaining stuff sometimes. But I like the idea of sharing my lack of sight with people, because it really does go odds with the way I do interact with the world. And I can do anything and when I. Be that advocate for other people. I think it gives them some sort of it will if she can do it. In my eyes, that's not as bad as hers. So jump on board and just tell everybody about the wonderful diversity of people with low vision and blindness and all the different types of things we can do to limiting it by what other people think we can't do.

That is, um, an everyday thing where you go to a cafe, as you've said, and sometimes you say to them or, you know, I can't say the menu, could you like, tell me what's going on? And sometimes there's not that understanding because they just they still point to the thing and say, oh, the menus up there and why can't you read that? And you have to just keep saying, no, I can't do that. You need to tell me what is on the board or what's available today. And sometimes they really do get it. Sometimes they're a lot more understanding. But I guess it comes down to how many people have had exposure to that before. But it's also a way of helping people learn and giving them a different perspective. So do you see yourself as an advocate for the blind and low vision community, or is it just something you do and you don't really sort of think about?

That is, um, an everyday thing where you go to a cafe, as you've said, and sometimes you say to them or, you know, I can't say the menu, could you like, tell me what's going on? And sometimes there's not that understanding because they just they still point to the thing and say, oh, the menus up there and why can't you read that? And you have to just keep saying, no, I can't do that. You need to tell me what is on the board or what's available today. And sometimes they really do get it. Sometimes they're a lot more understanding. But I guess it comes down to how many people have had exposure to that before. But it's also a way of helping people learn and giving them a different perspective. So do you see yourself as an advocate for the blind and low vision community, or is it just something you do and you don't really sort of think about?

Oh, I would see myself more as an advocate for people with disability rather than just blind or low vision, because wear it on your chest as a badge of honor and let people know is really the way I like to run things. I even love saying to shop assistants when I'm looking for something in a particular size, or want to know how much something costs, I'll say, can I borrow your eyeballs? Mine are a bit broken and adding the humor to it. If they want to ask me questions, I welcome it. And sometimes they do ask, sometimes they don't. Sometimes I have my long cane with me, so I mix it up a bit. So I think it's important just to make the conversation comfortable for everybody. So then it's understandable. Not just at a work environment, but in a social environment or at a retail place.

Oh, I would see myself more as an advocate for people with disability rather than just blind or low vision, because wear it on your chest as a badge of honor and let people know is really the way I like to run things. I even love saying to shop assistants when I'm looking for something in a particular size, or want to know how much something costs, I'll say, can I borrow your eyeballs? Mine are a bit broken and adding the humor to it. If they want to ask me questions, I welcome it. And sometimes they do ask, sometimes they don't. Sometimes I have my long cane with me, so I mix it up a bit. So I think it's important just to make the conversation comfortable for everybody. So then it's understandable. Not just at a work environment, but in a social environment or at a retail place.

We'll jump straight into the track now, Karen, and as you've mentioned, you've signed up to Vision Australia's New Zealand track alongside our CEO Ron, who is, um, of course a Kiwi himself as well as others heading on the track. So what was your motivation to head along?

We'll jump straight into the track now, Karen, and as you've mentioned, you've signed up to Vision Australia's New Zealand track alongside our CEO Ron, who is, um, of course a Kiwi himself as well as others heading on the track. So what was your motivation to head along?

I have decided that I'm going to start saying yes to things and let the way I achieve them figure itself out, because I used to think about things too much, and I love the idea that I'm going on a walk for Vision Australia, supporting such a fantastic organisation that has supported me in the past. It's my turn to give back. I'm connecting to an interest that I'm passionate about and I can communicate amongst my friends, so it was such a unique experience at a professional and personal level. I was put on earth to make change or difference in people's lives, and I don't know why or how that will happen. I think that's just going to happen through me just being me. But yeah, I just thought it was the right place, the right time. And I just went, yes, fill out the form, let's do it.

I have decided that I'm going to start saying yes to things and let the way I achieve them figure itself out, because I used to think about things too much, and I love the idea that I'm going on a walk for Vision Australia, supporting such a fantastic organisation that has supported me in the past. It's my turn to give back. I'm connecting to an interest that I'm passionate about and I can communicate amongst my friends, so it was such a unique experience at a professional and personal level. I was put on earth to make change or difference in people's lives, and I don't know why or how that will happen. I think that's just going to happen through me just being me. But yeah, I just thought it was the right place, the right time. And I just went, yes, fill out the form, let's do it.

And this is a bit of a work connection in regards to what the track and tiles. So could you remind our listeners a bit more about that side of things? And I guess the fundraising aspect and where the money goes.

And this is a bit of a work connection in regards to what the track and tiles. So could you remind our listeners a bit more about that side of things? And I guess the fundraising aspect and where the money goes.

Yeah, there is a bit of a commitment, not just for yourself financially, because you do have to self-fund attending the trip yourself and your airfares. But then I had a fundraising goal of 3500 dollars, and just to be a little bit more competitive, I set myself a 10% extra limit. On top of that 3500, and I'm halfway through my goal at the moment. Ticking over in seventh spot, hot on the heels of Ron Hooton, and I'm determined to at least achieve my goal before I leave. But then you've got the flip side. With all the training that's required, you can't just go and walk 60km around New Zealand and just go from sitting behind a desk and off you go. So there's been lots of early morning get up and go, lots of stretches, lots of Pilates. And I've been saying to people that my way I explain it is I've got 97% eyesight loss. I'm on the good side of 50. You can define that any way you like. And I'm sore in every part of my body from the neck down. But I'm going to do this and come along and join the journey, because it's fun and I'm going to have fun along the way. The money that we're actually raising for Vision Australia is going towards the quality living groups and Vision Australia Radio.

Yeah, there is a bit of a commitment, not just for yourself financially, because you do have to self-fund attending the trip yourself and your airfares. But then I had a fundraising goal of 3500 dollars, and just to be a little bit more competitive, I set myself a 10% extra limit. On top of that 3500, and I'm halfway through my goal at the moment. Ticking over in seventh spot, hot on the heels of Ron Hooton, and I'm determined to at least achieve my goal before I leave. But then you've got the flip side. With all the training that's required, you can't just go and walk 60km around New Zealand and just go from sitting behind a desk and off you go. So there's been lots of early morning get up and go, lots of stretches, lots of Pilates. And I've been saying to people that my way I explain it is I've got 97% eyesight loss. I'm on the good side of 50. You can define that any way you like. And I'm sore in every part of my body from the neck down. But I'm going to do this and come along and join the journey, because it's fun and I'm going to have fun along the way. The money that we're actually raising for Vision Australia is going towards the quality living groups and Vision Australia Radio.

Yes, that's right, very exciting to hear about all the progress that people are making on the fundraising side of things, but also really excited to hear how people go on the track itself. So have you been hiking for long? Are you an experienced hiker, or is this quite a new sort of phenomenon for you?

Yes, that's right, very exciting to hear about all the progress that people are making on the fundraising side of things, but also really excited to hear how people go on the track itself. So have you been hiking for long? Are you an experienced hiker, or is this quite a new sort of phenomenon for you?

So that would be a no in capital letters flashing never hiked before, right? Um, it is completely new to me, but as most people who don't drive would be aware that you are then forced onto the footpath. So walking distances is not unfamiliar to me. I don't think of the 60km, I don't think of the number of hours. I just think that it's just what you've got to do. I never thought in my wildest dream 12 months ago that I'd be taking a holiday. Not only to raise money for one of my favorite charities, but also choosing to use my annual leave to hike and walk. I love the idea of five star resorts and sitting back and having cocktails, but this is next level, and I think that I'm really lucky in a way that I don't drive, because the walking won't be as a shock to me, I hope.

So that would be a no in capital letters flashing never hiked before, right? Um, it is completely new to me, but as most people who don't drive would be aware that you are then forced onto the footpath. So walking distances is not unfamiliar to me. I don't think of the 60km, I don't think of the number of hours. I just think that it's just what you've got to do. I never thought in my wildest dream 12 months ago that I'd be taking a holiday. Not only to raise money for one of my favorite charities, but also choosing to use my annual leave to hike and walk. I love the idea of five star resorts and sitting back and having cocktails, but this is next level, and I think that I'm really lucky in a way that I don't drive, because the walking won't be as a shock to me, I hope.

Yeah. No, that's true love. A good walk and it gets you fit and gets hill active. And sometimes that walking, that just incidental walking you do every day you don't really think about. And then all of a sudden at the end of the day, you've gotten all your steps and you think, oh my God, I've done, you know, such and such many kilometers today. And, you know, it just builds up from there. But how do you think you'll go on the hike? What are you sort of looking forward to the most on that trip in New Zealand?

Yeah. No, that's true love. A good walk and it gets you fit and gets hill active. And sometimes that walking, that just incidental walking you do every day you don't really think about. And then all of a sudden at the end of the day, you've gotten all your steps and you think, oh my God, I've done, you know, such and such many kilometers today. And, you know, it just builds up from there. But how do you think you'll go on the hike? What are you sort of looking forward to the most on that trip in New Zealand?

Well, day one and two aren't too bad. They're like 12 and 17km. It's day three when we've already hiked for a couple of days. Day three is 21km and I know that I can do it, but my body might tell me something else by day three with regards to consistent days of the terrain more than just suburban walking. But we're going to be in great company. And we also have with us another gentleman who's blind, bringing his support worker and another gentleman coming along, bringing his dog. So that really did give me a boost of confidence, knowing that the participation of other people who are blind or low vision actually made me feel, well, got no excuse. Now, I was really concerned going with all sighted people. But now that I know that there's some blind eyes like me, if I can use that term, it just creates a whole nother level of comfort for me.

Well, day one and two aren't too bad. They're like 12 and 17km. It's day three when we've already hiked for a couple of days. Day three is 21km and I know that I can do it, but my body might tell me something else by day three with regards to consistent days of the terrain more than just suburban walking. But we're going to be in great company. And we also have with us another gentleman who's blind, bringing his support worker and another gentleman coming along, bringing his dog. So that really did give me a boost of confidence, knowing that the participation of other people who are blind or low vision actually made me feel, well, got no excuse. Now, I was really concerned going with all sighted people. But now that I know that there's some blind eyes like me, if I can use that term, it just creates a whole nother level of comfort for me.

All right. And if our listeners would like to get behind you and your fundraising efforts, Karen, what's the best way for them to do that?

All right. And if our listeners would like to get behind you and your fundraising efforts, Karen, what's the best way for them to do that?

They'd be able to Google Trek for Vision Australia, and that will lead to the landing page where you read a bit about the overall fundraising and all the people. And if you scroll to the bottom and look for Karen Pritchard, that's the one you need to actually donate to. Don't worry about anybody else, because I want to get up the ladder a bit more. I'd like to see myself up in fixed position.

They'd be able to Google Trek for Vision Australia, and that will lead to the landing page where you read a bit about the overall fundraising and all the people. And if you scroll to the bottom and look for Karen Pritchard, that's the one you need to actually donate to. Don't worry about anybody else, because I want to get up the ladder a bit more. I'd like to see myself up in fixed position.

Yes, definitely keep tabs on that for sure, Karen. And all the best with that. And hopefully you're climbing up the leaderboard in no time. I've been speaking today with Karen Pritchard, joining me from Virgin Australia in Parramatta, heading along to the trek for Vision in New Zealand. Karen, thank you so much for your time today. It was a pleasure to catch up and hear all about your trek.

Yes, definitely keep tabs on that for sure, Karen. And all the best with that. And hopefully you're climbing up the leaderboard in no time. I've been speaking today with Karen Pritchard, joining me from Virgin Australia in Parramatta, heading along to the trek for Vision in New Zealand. Karen, thank you so much for your time today. It was a pleasure to catch up and hear all about your trek.

I'm really excited to be able to share this with your listeners. Thanks for your time, Sam.

I'm really excited to be able to share this with your listeners. Thanks for your time, Sam.

I'm Sam Culley and you're listening to Talking Vision on Vision Australia Radio, associated stations of RPI and the Community Radio Network. I hope you enjoyed that conversation there with Karen Pritchard heading off to New Zealand in just a week or two to head on the trek for vision. If you missed any part of that conversation with Karen or you'd love to listen to it again. Talking vision is available on the Vision Australia Radio website at VA radio.org. That's VA radio.org. The program can also be found on the podcast app of your choice or through the Vision Australia library. And now back to the program with Kerri and Sandra. The digest is a regular magazine program broadcasting from Virgin Australia Radio in Perth, and today it's my great pleasure to chat with two of the central figures to the digest Kerri for Solo and Sandra Martin. Kerri, Sandra, welcome to Talking Vision. Thanks so much for your time.

I'm Sam Culley and you're listening to Talking Vision on Vision Australia Radio, associated stations of RPI and the Community Radio Network. I hope you enjoyed that conversation there with Karen Pritchard heading off to New Zealand in just a week or two to head on the trek for vision. If you missed any part of that conversation with Karen or you'd love to listen to it again. Talking vision is available on the Vision Australia Radio website at VA radio.org. That's VA radio.org. The program can also be found on the podcast app of your choice or through the Vision Australia library. And now back to the program with Kerri and Sandra. The digest is a regular magazine program broadcasting from Virgin Australia Radio in Perth, and today it's my great pleasure to chat with two of the central figures to the digest Kerri for Solo and Sandra Martin. Kerri, Sandra, welcome to Talking Vision. Thanks so much for your time.

Thanks, Sam. Thank you Sam, nice to be here.

Thanks, Sam. Thank you Sam, nice to be here.

Now, Kerri will start with you. Could you give us a bit of an overview of the digest?

Now, Kerri will start with you. Could you give us a bit of an overview of the digest?

The digest has developed because of changes with Reader's Digest, and we're still using Reader's Digest, which we've been using for many years. But because it's now much shorter and only delivered every second month, I've now gone off as programmer and found other sources with a more Australian base to try to put together a program that is still an hour long, and it has lots of stories about people that are Australian, both now and in the past. Still trying to keep with having a bit of humor in it and health, which has been one of the things that Reader's Digest has always dealt with. And we're also making use of Mind Food magazine, which is a very interesting magazine, almost like a Reader's Digest.

The digest has developed because of changes with Reader's Digest, and we're still using Reader's Digest, which we've been using for many years. But because it's now much shorter and only delivered every second month, I've now gone off as programmer and found other sources with a more Australian base to try to put together a program that is still an hour long, and it has lots of stories about people that are Australian, both now and in the past. Still trying to keep with having a bit of humor in it and health, which has been one of the things that Reader's Digest has always dealt with. And we're also making use of Mind Food magazine, which is a very interesting magazine, almost like a Reader's Digest.

Tell us a bit more about your role in the program. Kerri, you've been the founder of the show and as the producer, what sort of things have you been involved with?

Tell us a bit more about your role in the program. Kerri, you've been the founder of the show and as the producer, what sort of things have you been involved with?

Well, over the time I have been a panel operator. I have been well, we call ourselves hosts. Actually, we don't call ourselves panel panel operators. Um, I've also been a reader, but I've moved on from that because it needed someone to decide on programming. So I started putting the program together, and then I've also started putting out the rosters because we have enough readers now that we can actually roster readers. We have been a little short on editors at time, but fortunately Sandra has stayed with us all that time and does an amazing job as an editor. And she also instructs people how to edit.

Well, over the time I have been a panel operator. I have been well, we call ourselves hosts. Actually, we don't call ourselves panel panel operators. Um, I've also been a reader, but I've moved on from that because it needed someone to decide on programming. So I started putting the program together, and then I've also started putting out the rosters because we have enough readers now that we can actually roster readers. We have been a little short on editors at time, but fortunately Sandra has stayed with us all that time and does an amazing job as an editor. And she also instructs people how to edit.

Oh, wonderful.

Oh, wonderful.

Um, yeah.

Um, yeah.

Yeah. Oh, Sandra, that's the perfect opportunity to come to you. And, you know, tell us a bit about your involvement over the time.

Yeah. Oh, Sandra, that's the perfect opportunity to come to you. And, you know, tell us a bit about your involvement over the time.

Well, Kerry came to me it very early on in the piece and she said, I'm thinking putting together a program from Reader's Digest, would you be interested? And I said, yes, I would, because I think it's a fantastic magazine. And so I've been here ever since. And I originally said yes, no, I'll, I'll just read. I don't want to be in anything to do with operating the panel, but time takes care of things. And I now operate the panel and do the editing and do a little bit of reading, but mostly panel operating and editing. And, um, we have a great team of wonderful people who come in. We have a lot of fun. There's a lot of laughter. So I have to edit out quite a bit of, um, stuff that goes on on the side. But it's a great it's a great group. And, um, we've got somebody new coming on at the moment, Adrian, who's recording in the next studio for the first time, and I'm going to be helping him out editing on Friday. So, um, it's a growing thing and an a moving feast, as we say, but, um, most enjoyable. That sounds.

Well, Kerry came to me it very early on in the piece and she said, I'm thinking putting together a program from Reader's Digest, would you be interested? And I said, yes, I would, because I think it's a fantastic magazine. And so I've been here ever since. And I originally said yes, no, I'll, I'll just read. I don't want to be in anything to do with operating the panel, but time takes care of things. And I now operate the panel and do the editing and do a little bit of reading, but mostly panel operating and editing. And, um, we have a great team of wonderful people who come in. We have a lot of fun. There's a lot of laughter. So I have to edit out quite a bit of, um, stuff that goes on on the side. But it's a great it's a great group. And, um, we've got somebody new coming on at the moment, Adrian, who's recording in the next studio for the first time, and I'm going to be helping him out editing on Friday. So, um, it's a growing thing and an a moving feast, as we say, but, um, most enjoyable. That sounds.

Wonderful. And how long have you both been involved in the digest and at some previous iterations, Carol, come back to you.

Wonderful. And how long have you both been involved in the digest and at some previous iterations, Carol, come back to you.

That's an interesting question because we never really kept records. I have a feeling that we started back in about 2016, 17.

That's an interesting question because we never really kept records. I have a feeling that we started back in about 2016, 17.

Maybe quite.

Maybe quite.

Some time ago, that we were back at the Deaf Society, which is a long time ago.

Some time ago, that we were back at the Deaf Society, which is a long time ago.

Mhm.

Mhm.

And we did we and of course that was the Reader's Digest at that stage. And we've really gone through a lot of readers who aren't with us any longer, or some readers use it as a training and go on to more on air positions as well.

And we did we and of course that was the Reader's Digest at that stage. And we've really gone through a lot of readers who aren't with us any longer, or some readers use it as a training and go on to more on air positions as well.

And you've been together for quite a few years, as I understand it.

And you've been together for quite a few years, as I understand it.

We make a great team. We really enjoy each other's company. Sandra straightens me out every so often.

We make a great team. We really enjoy each other's company. Sandra straightens me out every so often.

Ah yes, always good to have that balance as well. Have you been involved, either of you, with other programs in your time at Vision Australia, Radio Perth or previous sort of radio commitments?

Ah yes, always good to have that balance as well. Have you been involved, either of you, with other programs in your time at Vision Australia, Radio Perth or previous sort of radio commitments?

I sort of started off doing the community newspapers back in the day, and that sort of came to an end, I think when Covid came or when they stopped producing community newspapers. Then I went on to West Coast News for a while, which was the very early morning start, and I think I was still doing Reader's Digest at the time as well. But now I've sort of come down to just doing I do Reader's Digest and our Aussie Garden. So I have a big day on alternate Tuesdays, where I record one Reader's Digest program in two hour Aussie garden sessions, and then the following Tuesday I get to edit those. So that's my easy day, all right? And I gave up. I gave up the West Coast news because I couldn't fit it all in. Mhm.

I sort of started off doing the community newspapers back in the day, and that sort of came to an end, I think when Covid came or when they stopped producing community newspapers. Then I went on to West Coast News for a while, which was the very early morning start, and I think I was still doing Reader's Digest at the time as well. But now I've sort of come down to just doing I do Reader's Digest and our Aussie Garden. So I have a big day on alternate Tuesdays, where I record one Reader's Digest program in two hour Aussie garden sessions, and then the following Tuesday I get to edit those. So that's my easy day, all right? And I gave up. I gave up the West Coast news because I couldn't fit it all in. Mhm.

Oh there's you know a lot of hard work that goes into everything, even the so-called quote unquote easy days. And it is a great opportunity today to highlight the hard work of volunteers such as yourselves, Kerry and Sandra. But volunteers across the whole network do deserve a lot of credit for the work and dedication they put in every day. So what's sort of been the most enjoyable aspects of being a volunteer, and what could you say to people out there who are thinking of getting involved?

Oh there's you know a lot of hard work that goes into everything, even the so-called quote unquote easy days. And it is a great opportunity today to highlight the hard work of volunteers such as yourselves, Kerry and Sandra. But volunteers across the whole network do deserve a lot of credit for the work and dedication they put in every day. So what's sort of been the most enjoyable aspects of being a volunteer, and what could you say to people out there who are thinking of getting involved?

Well, for me, it's the camaraderie and the friendships of the people here. We have the occasional social get together, and that's wonderful where you get to see the faces behind the voices, and we occasionally do a social thing together, and that's the highlight. But also the fact that we know we're bringing something to people who ordinarily wouldn't have been able to have that service. So, um, it's a two way thing. We I think we get a lot more than we give. But it's a great thing and great, great group of people.

Well, for me, it's the camaraderie and the friendships of the people here. We have the occasional social get together, and that's wonderful where you get to see the faces behind the voices, and we occasionally do a social thing together, and that's the highlight. But also the fact that we know we're bringing something to people who ordinarily wouldn't have been able to have that service. So, um, it's a two way thing. We I think we get a lot more than we give. But it's a great thing and great, great group of people.

I would echo that. And I also agree with the friendship part being very important. What I do find is that I've developed amazing new skills. There is no way I would have sat in front of a panel when I was at school to try and organise music. No way at all. Now I have no problems sitting in front of a panel. I do some panel work when I'm with West Coast News. I'm also with Literary Ear. There's a team of three that do literary ear and we work very hard. We have tried to get new members, but it is quite a complex little piece of radio, and we're still hoping we will get another 1 or 2 to join us. It's a half hour show. Um, and as far as developing new skills, I would encourage young people to volunteer for Vision Australia Radio because the skills that you learn here, you can apply when you get to have a job. We had a young lady came in a couple of years ago to do to polish up her skills, and she had to leave us because she had a full time job in radio. Her dream come true.

I would echo that. And I also agree with the friendship part being very important. What I do find is that I've developed amazing new skills. There is no way I would have sat in front of a panel when I was at school to try and organise music. No way at all. Now I have no problems sitting in front of a panel. I do some panel work when I'm with West Coast News. I'm also with Literary Ear. There's a team of three that do literary ear and we work very hard. We have tried to get new members, but it is quite a complex little piece of radio, and we're still hoping we will get another 1 or 2 to join us. It's a half hour show. Um, and as far as developing new skills, I would encourage young people to volunteer for Vision Australia Radio because the skills that you learn here, you can apply when you get to have a job. We had a young lady came in a couple of years ago to do to polish up her skills, and she had to leave us because she had a full time job in radio. Her dream come true.

And that's also, you know, how I got my start in radio, funnily enough, you know, you get involved in community radio or student radio organisations. If you are at uni and have those ambitions to go to higher places in radio, so definitely get involved. There's so many positions for people to get involved with and have a go and develop those skills as you've said. So Kerry, how did you and Sandra get in touch to begin with?

And that's also, you know, how I got my start in radio, funnily enough, you know, you get involved in community radio or student radio organisations. If you are at uni and have those ambitions to go to higher places in radio, so definitely get involved. There's so many positions for people to get involved with and have a go and develop those skills as you've said. So Kerry, how did you and Sandra get in touch to begin with?

This is quite amazing. I actually score on a basketball bench as a volunteer, and there was a gentleman there who was scoring. His name was Kevin McLaughlin, and one night he said, I just have to go out and listen to my radio program. He was going out to his car and I said, what do you mean, your radio program? Anyway, he came back and explained that he was with Information Radio as we were at that stage, and he said, oh, why don't you just come in? We've got a show on over the weekend, come in and just sit in and have a look. And I went in and there were two people sitting in the studio. And he said, I don't press the buttons. The other lady presses the buttons. They did this show and I was sold. And I said, where do I sign up? So that's how I started.

This is quite amazing. I actually score on a basketball bench as a volunteer, and there was a gentleman there who was scoring. His name was Kevin McLaughlin, and one night he said, I just have to go out and listen to my radio program. He was going out to his car and I said, what do you mean, your radio program? Anyway, he came back and explained that he was with Information Radio as we were at that stage, and he said, oh, why don't you just come in? We've got a show on over the weekend, come in and just sit in and have a look. And I went in and there were two people sitting in the studio. And he said, I don't press the buttons. The other lady presses the buttons. They did this show and I was sold. And I said, where do I sign up? So that's how I started.

Now, Sam, you've really got me thinking. I must have heard it or seen it somewhere. And I rang Bridget, who was a wonderful person, in the front of the volunteer program, and chatted to her for quite a while. And really, she was so friendly and warm. And, you know, I thought, oh yeah, I'll sign me up. But one thing I did say to her, look, I'm not sure I've got this terrible Kiwi Aussie accent and I'm not sure how that would go down, but I said, I'll come and give it a go. But I said, I'm not at all interested in doing anything technical. I have my own computer and I just do what I need to do, but I don't want to do anything more than that, thank you very much. And she said, oh, that's all right. You can just come and read. So I came in, just read, and I don't know how I got sort of sucked into coming on the panel. That must have been somebody must have been away, or I thought, maybe I'll give it a go, but here I am. So.

Now, Sam, you've really got me thinking. I must have heard it or seen it somewhere. And I rang Bridget, who was a wonderful person, in the front of the volunteer program, and chatted to her for quite a while. And really, she was so friendly and warm. And, you know, I thought, oh yeah, I'll sign me up. But one thing I did say to her, look, I'm not sure I've got this terrible Kiwi Aussie accent and I'm not sure how that would go down, but I said, I'll come and give it a go. But I said, I'm not at all interested in doing anything technical. I have my own computer and I just do what I need to do, but I don't want to do anything more than that, thank you very much. And she said, oh, that's all right. You can just come and read. So I came in, just read, and I don't know how I got sort of sucked into coming on the panel. That must have been somebody must have been away, or I thought, maybe I'll give it a go, but here I am. So.

Oh, well, so there you go. Loving it. Yes.

Oh, well, so there you go. Loving it. Yes.

The rest is history, isn't it? Absolutely. So that contact for people to get involved, they can of course head to radio at Vision australia.org. That's radio at Vision australia.org for some general enquiries, but if you'd like to get in touch with Brigid, the co-ordinator of volunteers in Perth, that's Brigid Dot Barrie at Vision Australia. Org, Brigid Dot Bailey at Vision Australia all one word.org and I'm sure she'd love to hear from you. So do get in touch for sure. Sandra Kerry, thank you very much for your time today. Some pleasure to catch up with you.

The rest is history, isn't it? Absolutely. So that contact for people to get involved, they can of course head to radio at Vision australia.org. That's radio at Vision australia.org for some general enquiries, but if you'd like to get in touch with Brigid, the co-ordinator of volunteers in Perth, that's Brigid Dot Barrie at Vision Australia. Org, Brigid Dot Bailey at Vision Australia all one word.org and I'm sure she'd love to hear from you. So do get in touch for sure. Sandra Kerry, thank you very much for your time today. Some pleasure to catch up with you.

Thank you. Sam. And I have to say, I am an avid VR listener. I listen to just about every program and especially the two at night, something novel and a book at bedtime.

Thank you. Sam. And I have to say, I am an avid VR listener. I listen to just about every program and especially the two at night, something novel and a book at bedtime.

Thanks, Sam. It's been.

Thanks, Sam. It's been.

An absolute.

An absolute.

Pleasure. We do hope that lots of people will listen to, digest and think about volunteering for Vision Australia Radio. We have fun here.

Pleasure. We do hope that lots of people will listen to, digest and think about volunteering for Vision Australia Radio. We have fun here.

And that's all the time we have for today. You've been listening to Talking Vision. Talking vision is a Vision Australia radio production. Thanks to all involved with putting the show together every week. And remember, we love hearing from you. So please get in touch anytime on our email at Talking Vision. At Vision australia.org. That's talking vision or one word at Vision australia.org. But until next week it's Sam Cowley saying bye for now.

And that's all the time we have for today. You've been listening to Talking Vision. Talking vision is a Vision Australia radio production. Thanks to all involved with putting the show together every week. And remember, we love hearing from you. So please get in touch anytime on our email at Talking Vision. At Vision australia.org. That's talking vision or one word at Vision australia.org. But until next week it's Sam Cowley saying bye for now.

You can contact Virgin Australia by phoning us anytime during business hours on one 308 4746. That's one 384 746 or by visiting Vision australia.org that's Vision Australia call.

You can contact Virgin Australia by phoning us anytime during business hours on one 308 4746. That's one 384 746 or by visiting Vision australia.org that's Vision Australia call.